A study to assess the burden among the caregivers of chronic kidney disease (ckd) patients visiting the dialysis unit of a selected tertiary care hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab

Background: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a progressive and irreversible condition characterized by the gradual loss of kidney function over time, often leading to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring renal replacement therapy such as dialysis. The increasing global prevalence of CKD has made it a major public health concern, with significant clinical, social, and economic implications. Dialysis, while life-sustaining, imposes a considerable physical, emotional, and financial strain not only on patients but also on their families and caregivers. Therefore, this study aims to assess the burden among the caregivers of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients. Aim To assess the burden among the caregivers of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients. Objectives • To assess the level of burden among the caregivers of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients. • To find out the association of burden among the caregivers of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients with their selected socio-demographic variables. • To prepare and disseminate IEC material (Pamphlet) on coping strategies for the caregivers of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted on 100 caregivers of CKD patients visiting the dialysis unit through a purposive sampling technique at DMC & Hospital, Ludhiana. The Zarit Burden Interview Scale was used to assess the level of burden among the caregivers. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The study revealed that 44.0% of the caregivers belonged to the age group of 39- 59 years, with a mean age of 45.64 ± 15.35. Furthermore, 60.0% were females, 65.0% belonged to the Hindu religion, 72.0% of the caregivers resided in an urban area. The majority of the caregivers,i.e.. 51.0% were graduate and 52.0% belonged to lower middle class family. The study further revealed that 90.0% of the patients suffered from stage 5 of CKD, and 69.0% of the patients underwent dialysis twice a week. The data also showed that 67.0% reported having comorbidity. The study also showed that among 100 caregivers i.e.., 45.0% had a mild to moderate level of burden with a mean score of 30.5±5.48. Lastly, no significance was found between the socio-demographic variables and the level of burden. Conclusion: The present study concluded that most of the caregivers of patients visiting the dialysis unit of a tertiary care hospital had a mild to moderate level of burden among them. All the socio-demographic variables in the study showed no association with the level of burden.